Self actuating ram actuator for well pressure control device

Abstract

A method for operating a ram in a well pressure control apparatus includes communicating a control signal to at least one of a rotary motor and a source of pressurized fluid to operate at least one of the motor and the source of pressurized fluid to operate a ram actuator. A parameter related to position of the ram actuator is measured during operation of the actuator. Operation of the ram actuator is automatically stopped when the measured parameter indicates the ram actuator is fully extended or fully retracted.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for operating a ram in a well pressure control apparatus, comprising:
 communicating a control signal to at least one of a rotary motor and a source of pressurized fluid to operate at least one of the motor and the source of pressurized fluid to operate a ram actuator;   measuring a parameter related to position of the ram actuator during operation thereof; and   automatically stopping operation of the ram actuator when the measured parameter indicates the ram actuator is fully extended or fully retracted.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 determining a performance of the ram actuator by comparing, in a controller disposed proximate the ram actuator, the measured parameter related to the position of the ram actuator to values of the control signal. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising communicating the measured parameter to a location away from the ram actuator. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the location comprises at least one of a platform on the surface of a body of water, a ram manufacturing facility and a ram repair and maintenance facility. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the control signal is generated automatically by a controller disposed proximate the ram actuator in response to measurements of pressure in a well. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the control signal comprises variable operating rate with respect to time. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the variable rate with respect to time is optimized for conditions in a well. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising measuring fluid pressure in the well, temperature proximate the ram actuator and using the measured parameter related to position, the measured fluid pressure and the measured temperature to adjust at least one parameter of the control signal. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising at least one of:
 determining when to remove the ram actuator from service when any parameter used to determine the performance of the ram actuator crosses a selected threshold; and 
 measuring a parameter related to particle concentration in at least one of the pressurized fluid and fluid in an atmospheric pressure chamber, and determining when to remove the ram actuator from service when the parameter related to particle concentration crosses a selected threshold. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising:
 removing the ram actuator from service; 
 transporting the ram actuator to a facility for at least one of repair and remanufacturing; and 
 returning the ram actuator to service after the at least one or repair and remanufacturing. 
 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising:
 generating an identification signal in the controller to enable remote identification of the ram actuator; and 
 tracking movement of the ram actuator during each of a plurality of actions performed beginning with removal of the ram actuator from service and returning the ram actuator to service. 
 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  further transmitting directly to at least one user at least the measured parameter related to position. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the control signal is communicated from a mobile wirelessly connected device to the ram actuator by at least one of direct communication and Internet connected communication. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the pressurized fluid comprises liquid and/or gas. 
     
     
         15 . A pressure control apparatus, comprising:
 a housing having a through bore;   an actuator affixed to the housing and having a closure element movable by the actuator to open and close the through bore;   a controller in signal communication with the actuator and operable to cause movement of the actuator in response to a control signal detected by the controller;   at least one position sensor coupled to at least one of the actuator and the ram to measure a parameter related to position of the at least one of the actuator and the ram, a signal output of the position sensor in communication with the controller; and   wherein the controller is operable to automatically stop operation of the actuator in response to signals from the at least one position sensor indicative of the ram being fully closed and/or fully open, the controller operable to start operation of the actuator in response to a control signal.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  further comprising a communication device in signal communication with the controller, the communication device operable to transmit a signal indicative of output of the at least one position sensor and to receive the control signal. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the actuator comprises a motor rotatably coupled to an actuator rod. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the motor comprises an electric motor. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the actuator comprises a piston disposed in a cylinder operatively coupled to a source of fluid pressure. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19  wherein the at least one position sensor comprises a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 19  further comprising a sensor responsive to solid particles present in fluid discharged by the source of fluid pressure.